The country mourns the loss of Bibek Debroy, Chairman of Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council, at the age of 69. Prime Minister Narendra Modi remembers him as a "towering scholar" and pays his respects in an emotional tribute. In addition to his contributions to public policy, Debroy was also a renowned translator of Hindu texts and a host of the show "Itihasa" on Sansad TV.
Bibek Debroy, an Eminent Economist and Scholar, Passes Away
Bibek Debroy, a renowned economist and intellectual, passed away on October 27, 2023, at the age of 69. His loss has been deeply felt across academic, policy, and cultural circles in India.
Background and Career
Bibek Debroy was born in Kolkata, India, in 1954. He earned his doctorate in Economics from the University of Cambridge and held faculty positions at the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta (IIM-C) and the Centre for Policy Research (CPR).
Debroy served as the Chairman of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council (EAC) under Prime Minister Narendra Modi from 2015 until his passing. In this role, he provided expert advice on a wide range of economic issues, including taxation, monetary policy, and public administration.
Contributions to Public Policy
Debroy was a respected economist with a deep understanding of Indian economic challenges. He played a significant role in shaping India's economic policies and reforms. Some of his notable contributions include:
Cultural and Literary Pursuits
Besides his economic prowess, Debroy was also a distinguished translator of Hindu texts. He translated the Bhagavad Gita, the Mahabharata, and the Ramayana into contemporary English, making them accessible to a broader audience.
Debroy was also the host of the popular TV show "Itihasa" on Sansad TV, where he explored the history and culture of India through the lens of its ancient texts.
Tributes and Legacy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Debroy, calling him a "towering scholar" who made invaluable contributions to the nation. "His intellect, wisdom, and scholarship will always be remembered," Modi said.
Debroy's colleagues and admirers have hailed him as a brilliant economist, a dedicated public servant, and a gifted translator who enriched Indian discourse. His legacy as an intellectual giant will continue to inspire generations to come.
Top 5 FAQs and Answers
1. What was Bibek Debroy's primary area of expertise? Answer: Economics
2. What position did Debroy hold in the Indian government? Answer: Chairman of the Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council
3. What is Debroy known for besides economics? Answer: Translation of Hindu texts
4. What was the name of Debroy's TV show? Answer: "Itihasa"
5. When did Bibek Debroy pass away? Answer: October 27, 2023
On the 25th anniversary of Uttarakhand's formation, President Droupadi Murmu commends the state's achievements and contributions to India's cultural and spiritual heritage. Uttarakhand, also known as Devbhoomi, has transformed from a people's movement to a model of balanced development and modernity. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also extends his best wishes to the state and highlights its progress in various fields, including tourism.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has garnered criticism for his defense of former Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani's legacy on the latter's 98th birthday. Tharoor argued that Advani's decades of public service should not be overshadowed by one controversial episode, referencing the leader's 1990 Ram Rath Yatra. The debate highlights differing interpretations of the Yatra, which was launched amidst the heightened communal tension and later led to the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya.
As Bihar elections near their final phase, RJD leader and Mahagathbandhan's CM candidate Tejashwi Yadav celebrated his 36th birthday at his parents' residence in Patna, while party workers gathered outside to celebrate with sweets, songs, and slogans. Despite ongoing campaigning, Tejashwi's birthday became a public event with supporters presenting him a silver crown and even his brother, Tej Pratap Yadav, wishing him success amid increased security threats. Several political figures, including Akhilesh Yadav and Rakesh Roshan, took to social media to praise Tejashwi as the symbol of youth hopes for change in Bihar.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has launched a scathing attack on Congress MP Gaurav Gogoi, calling him a "Pakistani agent" planted by a foreign power in India. This comes after a Special Investigation Team (SIT) report, submitted to the CM on September 10, allegedly uncovered evidence of Gogoi's links to a Pakistani national with whom his wife has a connection. Gogoi has denied all allegations and challenged Sarma to provide evidence.
The Election Commission has taken action against a Bihar election officer who was found to have allowed VVPAT slips to be scattered on a roadside in Samastipur. The incident has raised concerns about the integrity of the upcoming elections, but the Election Commission has assured the public that necessary steps are being taken to ensure fair polling.
The Election Commission of India is facing backlash after a large number of VVPAT slips were found dumped near a college in Bihar. The Commission has ordered an inquiry and the concerned ARO has been suspended. Political parties such as the RJD have accused the Commission of being a "thief commission" and "dacoit of democracy" and have demanded a thorough investigation. The district administration is currently conducting an investigation and an FIR will be filed in the case.
The BJP has criticized J&K CM Omar Abdullah for his opposition to the recitation of Vande Mataram in schools, accusing him of appeasement politics. According to party spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla, this opposition is motivated by vote-bank considerations and follows a pattern of similar objections by leaders across states. Poonawalla also alleged that these leaders have a history of opposing national symbols and prioritizing their politics of appeasement over the Constitution.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi met veteran BJP leader and Bharat Ratna awardee Lal Krishna Advani at his residence on Saturday, on the occasion of his 98th birthday. PM Modi took to social media to extend birthday greetings and praise Advani's monumental service to the nation, calling him a statesman with a towering vision. Home Minister Amit Shah and former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu also sent their wishes, highlighting Advani's contributions to strengthening the BJP and the country's progress.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a two-day conference on strengthening the legal aid system in India. He highlighted the crucial role of ensuring ease of justice in achieving the goals of ease of doing business and ease of living. The conference will discuss key aspects of the legal services framework, including the role of technology and mediation in improving justice delivery. PM Modi also launched a training module for community mediation to empower individuals in resolving disputes at the grassroots level.
Anumula Revanth Reddy, the Congress legislature party leader, will be taking oath as the second Chief Minister of Telangana amidst great anticipation as senior officials and one lakh people are expected to attend the event. Prominent leaders like Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra will also be present at the ceremony. Reddy has extended an open invitation to the public, emphasizing the 'people's government' he aims to establish.